Toughest job in the NBA? David Lee playing the role of Dirk Nowitzki's backup has to be one of them

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Dallas Mavericks forward David Lee (42) fights off Indiana Pacers forward Lavoy Allen during the first half of their game Saturday, March 12, 2016 at the American Airlines Center in Dallas. (G.J. McCarthy/The Dallas Morning News)

Rick Carlisle calls it the hardest job in basketball, which might be just a slight overstatement.

But then again, if you’re David Lee and you have to live the life that comes with being Dirk Nowitzki’s backup, it’s a pretty difficult job description.

All he has to do is help the Mavericks stay afloat while the best player in franchise history isn’t on the floor to bail everybody out.

“I think it’s been something that’s necessary for this team, to find a way to be productive and hold the line when Dirk’s not out there,” Lee said Wednesday. “He’s been the identity of this team for so long, when he’s not on the floor, there’s definitely a hole there. I’ve just tried to do my best to keep our team level or gaining ground when he’s not on the floor and when he gets back we can pick up where we left off.”

Years of having to grind out low playoff seeds with Mavericks showing their wear on Dirk

Lee was a splashy acquisition in late February. He made an immediate impact. His playing time has remained consistently in the 18-minute range, which pretty much is the amount of time Nowitzki sits.

Lee sat out the final three quarters Wednesday night against San Antonio after injuring his right foot. It is not believed to be serious.

Losing Lee for any part of the playoffs would be a major blow to the Mavericks’ depth on the front line.

“Without David Lee’s contributions over the last two weeks, we would not be in the playoffs,” coach Rick Carlisle said. “David has been obsessed with winning since coming here. I marvel at his boundless energy and enthusiasm.

“This time of year you need certainty - with David, his coaches and teammates know exactly what he brings everyday and every night.”

Lee is one of the few Mavericks who has a championship ring. He got that last year with Golden State when he played a pivotal role in two of the playoff series after limited playing time during the regular season.

In nearly two months with the Mavericks, Lee has made a big impression.

“I now understand why he received a two-minute standing ovation at Golden State and why he is so beloved in New York,” Carlisle said. “He has a unique skill set along with grit, guts and a great understanding of our system.”